A plantar plate tear could be the cause of pain in your upper foot. The plantar plate is a ligament that connects toes to the ball of the foot. The plantar plate supports and protects the head of the toe bone. A sprain or tear to the plantar plate is generally characterized by swelling, redness and pain in the toes and balls of the feet. Particularly, the second through fourth toes will suffer from the most discomfort if you are experiencing an actual plantar plate tear.

Treatment for Plantar Plate Tear at Renova

If you are suffering from a plantar plate tear or other types of sports injury, make an appointment with Renova Foot and Ankle today. We look forward to helping you toward a swift recovery.

FAQ: Plantar Plate Tear

What are the symptoms of plantar plate tear?

A sprain or tear to the plantar plate is generally characterized by swelling, redness and pain in the toes and balls of the feet. Particularly, the second through fourth toes will suffer from the most discomfort if you are experiencing an actual plantar plate tear as opposed to a sprain. You may feel as if you are walking directly on the bones of your foot and notice swelling at the top of the foot and a splaying or clawing if the toes. it can also be very painful to push up on the toes.

Who is at risk of Plantar Plate tear?

Plantar plate tears are most common among women in their 30’s and 40’s. There are several factors that can increase your risk of injury to the plantar plate, including high levels of physical activity, a sudden increase in your level of physical activity, and wearing high heels, which places increased stress on the toes and ball of the foot.Certain foot conditions such as flatfoot, bunions, or hammer toe can also increase your risk of injuring your plantar plate. Similarly, if one of the bones in your foot known as the metatarsal is particularly long, you are at a higher risk of plantar plate injury.

How is Plantar Plate tear treated?

When you see a foot specialist, he will most likely order an x-ray to diagnose you with a plantar plate tear. Usually, a plantar plate injury can be treated without surgery. Proper rest can help you recover from a plantar plate sprain when combined with anti-inflammatory medication, orthotics, or special foot wear, such as a boot.More severe cases of plantar plate tear can result in a total rupture of the plantar plate which could require surgery. If left untreated, a torn plantar plate could lead to arthritis or a malformation of the foot known as hammertoe.